Physical Education is included as part of the curriculum here at P.S. 506. We implement a culture of academic and physical fitness in our school. Positive gains are linked between physical activity and academic performance. Physical activity has a positive influence on concentration, memory, classroom behavior, and overall well being.
Our mandated physical education program targets grades kindergarten through fifth. The program implements academic integration strategies throughout the physical education curriculum that can support and reinforce student achievement. Our Physical Education Unit Overview includes, routines/procedures, which emphasize discipline. Our Units include the importance of Aerobic Fitness, Muscular Fitness, Flexibility, Body Composition, and Nutrition. Thereby, the students will achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness for enjoyment, challenge, discipline, self-expression, and social interaction throughout their lifetime.
Integrated into our physical education program is the NYC Fitnessgram Assessment, which is implemented citywide in all NYC Public Schools. Fitnessgram reports do not have grades. Instead, they indicate whether children are in the“healthy fitness zone.” The NYC Fitnessgram measures different parts of health related fitness, such as: body mass index, aerobic fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. This report is sent to all of the parents upon completion. The finalized report provides parents with their child’s current level of health related fitness and makes recommendations about how children and families might improve their levels of physical activity.Our Physical Education Program is affiliated with ongoing professional development, Physical Best Training/ Training of The NYC Fitnessgram and SPARK PE Training (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids). Another rewarding experience is when our fifth graders get to participate in the annual Bay RidgeCommunity Council Track and Field events in the Spring. We have also been fortunate enough to receive grants for equipment from The Nike Let Me Play Program, which was created and designed to enhance physical activity curriculums, city-wide. We are also very grateful to receive continuous support from the Office of Fitness and Health Education.
Overall, our Physical Education classes are inclusive, active and fun for all of our students here at P.S.506... ***Healthy Bodies = Healthy Minds***